New Testament
Luke 1:35
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The angel answered, "The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. Therefore, that holy one to be born will be called the Son of God."
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And the angel answered and said unto her, The Holy Ghost shall come upon thee, and the power of the Highest shall overshadow thee: therefore also that holy thing which shall be born of thee shall be called the Son of God.
What Luke 1:35 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, the angel Gabriel explains to Mary how she will conceive Jesus. The Holy Spirit will come upon her, indicating a divine intervention that will enable her to give birth to the Son of God. The phrase 'the power of the Most High will overshadow you' suggests that God's presence will envelop her, making this miraculous birth possible. This moment is significant as it marks the incarnation of Jesus, who is referred to as 'that holy one.' The angel reassures Mary that this child will be uniquely divine, emphasizing His identity as the Son of God. This passage highlights the miraculous nature of Jesus' birth and the role of the Holy Spirit in God's plan for salvation. It also underscores the importance of faith and obedience, as Mary accepts this incredible news with trust in God's purpose for her life.
How to apply Luke 1:35 to your life
This verse encourages us to trust in God's plans, even when they seem impossible. Just as Mary accepted her role with faith, we too can embrace our unique callings, knowing that God equips us through His Spirit to fulfill His purposes in our lives.
Curated for this public verse page. Luke Summary
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Illustrated scene from Jesus's story: An Angel Visits Mary (Luke 1:26–38)
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Jesus
Photo: Photochrom print, Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division (LCCN 2002724966). License: Public domain in the United States; Library of Congress states no known restrictions on publication. Source. Location: Bethlehem, West Bank; print preserved by the Library of Congress. Resized for the web.
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Bethlehem
David's hometown, and the town where Jesus was born.
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Keep studying Luke 1:35
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At a Glance — the Book of Luke
- Author
- Luke the physician
- Written
- Around AD 60-62
- Genre
- Gospel and history
- Original Audience
- Gentile Christians (addressed to Theophilus)
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Luke 1:35 mean?
Luke 1:35 explains how Mary will conceive Jesus through the Holy Spirit's divine intervention. The verse emphasizes that this miraculous birth is made possible by God's power, highlighting the unique identity of Jesus as the Son of God.
What is the significance of the Holy Spirit in Luke 1:35?
In Luke 1:35, the Holy Spirit plays a crucial role in the conception of Jesus, indicating that His birth is a divine act rather than a natural occurrence. This highlights the miraculous nature of Jesus' incarnation and God's direct involvement in human history.
What does 'the power of the Most High will overshadow you' mean?
The phrase 'the power of the Most High will overshadow you' in Luke 1:35 suggests that God's presence will envelop Mary, enabling her to conceive Jesus. It signifies divine protection and intervention in the miraculous event of Jesus' birth.
How does Luke 1:35 relate to faith and obedience?
Luke 1:35 illustrates the importance of faith and obedience through Mary's acceptance of the angel's message. Her willingness to trust in God's plan serves as an example for believers to embrace their own callings with faith.
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